Abstract
When dehydroxylation of kaolinite powder is carried out in the usual way, the linear relations anticipated for first-order kinetics and for the Arrhenius plot of log k versus 1/T are satisfied only very approximately. Factors relating to the form of the specimen, (shape, size, compaction, container, etc.) are shown to be very important. A method is developed for obtaining data for a specimen in the form of an infinitely thin disc. The first-order kinetic relation and the Arrhenius relation are then linear, and the latter gives an activation energy of 65 K cal./mol. The dehydroxylation process is shown by x-ray analysis to proceed crystal by crystal and this leads to an interpretation of the first-order kinetics. The x-ray method is used to study the distribution of reacted and unreacted material throughout a disc of material. Although isothermal conditions are employed, large differences are found between the interior and exterior of a partially dehydroxylated disc. These effects are attributed to the influence of a water vapor atmosphere within the heated disc.
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Contribution no. 56-35 from the College of Mineral Industries, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
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Brindley, G.W., Nakahira, M. A Kinetic Study of the Dehydroxylation of Kaolinite. Clays Clay Miner. 5, 266–278 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1956.0050122
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1956.0050122